Topic’s Weightage

Subject	No. of Questions
Science & Tech	5
Agriculture	4
Economics	3
Environment	3
Security	3
Human Geography	1
Polity	1
Total	20

Q1. Faster economic growth requires an increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the government in this regard. [Economics]

The manufacturing sector, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), is vital for economic growth and job creation. Recognizing this, the government has introduced several policies to strengthen the MSME sector:

Present Policies:

1. Make in India: Aims to position India as a global manufacturing hub by boosting investment in key sectors like automobiles, textiles, and electronics.
2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Provides financial incentives to increase domestic manufacturing and exports in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components.
3. Credit Support:
   • The Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) provides collateral-free loans to MSMEs.
   • Priority sector lending by banks ensures financial accessibility for MSMEs.
4. Technology and Innovation:
   • Initiatives like the Technology Centres Scheme (TCS) offer R&D support to MSMEs.
   • Digital platforms like GeM (Government e-Marketplace) connect MSMEs with government procurement opportunities.
5. Ease of Doing Business: Measures like single-window clearances, GST rationalization, and reduced compliance burdens encourage entrepreneurship.

Challenges:

1. Limited access to capital for small enterprises.
2. Inadequate infrastructure and technology adoption.
3. Global competition and lack of skilled labor.

Way Forward: Strengthening infrastructure, ensuring timely credit, and fostering innovation will be crucial for enhancing the MSME sector’s contribution to GDP and achieving sustainable growth.

Q2. What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. [Science & Tech]

Status of Digitalization: India has made significant strides in digitalization, driven by initiatives like Digital India. Key achievements include:

1. Financial Inclusion: Platforms like UPI and PM Jan Dhan Yojana have transformed digital payments.
2. E-Governance: Online services like DigiLocker, GST portal, and Aadhaar have improved efficiency and transparency.
3. E-Commerce: Rapid growth of platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and local startups reflects rising digital adoption.

Problems:

1. Digital Divide: Rural-urban and socio-economic gaps in access to internet and technology persist.
2. Cybersecurity Threats: Increasing cybercrimes and data breaches undermine trust in digital platforms.
3. Infrastructure Gaps: Limited broadband penetration and slow internet speeds in remote areas.
4. Digital Literacy: Lack of awareness and skills hampers adoption among marginalized populations.

Suggestions for Improvement:

1. Bridging the Digital Divide: Expand affordable broadband access under BharatNet.
2. Strengthening Cybersecurity: Implement robust data protection laws and invest in cybersecurity infrastructure.
3. Capacity Building: Promote digital literacy through grassroots campaigns.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private firms to enhance infrastructure and technology adoption.

Digitalization is a cornerstone of India’s economic transformation, but addressing its challenges will ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Q3. How does e-Technology help farmers in the production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain. [Agriculture]

Role of e-Technology in Production:

1. Precision Agriculture: Technologies like drones and IoT devices help monitor soil health, crop growth, and irrigation needs, optimizing resource use.
2. Weather Forecasting: Apps like IMD’s Mausam provide real-time weather updates, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.
3. Advisory Services: Platforms like eNAM and Kisan Call Centers offer expert advice on farming practices, pest control, and fertilizer use.

Role in Marketing:

1. eNAM (National Agriculture Market): Integrates APMCs across the country, enabling farmers to sell produce directly to buyers and access better prices.
2. Direct-to-Consumer Platforms: Online marketplaces like BigHaat connect farmers with end consumers, bypassing middlemen.
3. Price Transparency: Apps like AgriBazaar provide price trends, helping farmers negotiate better deals.

Benefits:

1. Reduces information asymmetry.
2. Enhances productivity and income through better market access.
3. Lowers costs by streamlining supply chains.

Way Forward: Promoting digital literacy and expanding internet access in rural areas will maximize the impact of e-Technology in agriculture.

Q4. State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how the land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria. [Agriculture]

Objectives of Land Reforms:

1. Equity: Redistribute land to reduce inequalities.
2. Productivity: Ensure efficient use of land by reducing fragmentation and absentee ownership.
3. Tenancy Reforms: Protect the rights of tenants and sharecroppers.

Measures of Land Reforms:

1. Abolition of Zamindari: Eliminated intermediaries, vesting land ownership directly with cultivators.
2. Land Ceiling: Imposed limits on landholdings and redistributed surplus land to the landless.
3. Tenancy Reforms: Provided security of tenure and regulated rent.
4. Consolidation of Holdings: Minimized fragmentation to improve agricultural efficiency.

Effectiveness of Land Ceiling Policy:

1. Economic Redistribution: Reduces concentration of wealth, fostering social equity.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Small farmers are incentivized to cultivate land more intensively.
3. Rural Development: Redistribution leads to better living standards and reduced rural poverty.

Challenges:

• Loopholes like benami transactions and political resistance diluted implementation.
• Limited identification and redistribution of surplus land.

Way Forward: Strengthening legal frameworks, digitizing land records, and ensuring strict enforcement can make land reforms, particularly land ceiling policies, more impactful.

Q5. Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in healthcare? [Science & Tech]

Concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think, learn, and make decisions. AI systems use algorithms, data analytics, and machine learning to perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence.

AI in Clinical Diagnosis:

1. Early Detection: AI systems analyze medical imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) to detect conditions like cancer at early stages.
2. Predictive Analytics: AI models predict disease risks based on genetic and lifestyle data, enabling preventive care.
3. Personalized Treatment: AI recommends tailored treatment plans by analyzing patient history and clinical data.
4. Virtual Assistants: Chatbots like IBM Watson provide instant medical advice, reducing patient wait times.

Privacy Concerns:

1. Data Security: Unauthorized access to sensitive medical records could lead to breaches of confidentiality.
2. Algorithm Bias: Misuse or flawed AI systems can compromise patient rights.
3. Lack of Regulation: Absence of comprehensive data protection laws poses risks.

Recommendations:

1. Strict Data Protection Laws: Enact frameworks like GDPR to safeguard patient information.
2. Transparency in AI Models: Ensure algorithms are unbiased and ethically designed.
3. Regular Audits: Monitor AI systems for compliance with healthcare standards.

While AI revolutionizes healthcare with efficiency and precision, robust privacy measures are essential to ensure ethical use.

Q6. Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage. [Science & Tech]

Microorganisms, as efficient bioengineers, offer sustainable solutions to address fuel shortages through biofuel production and waste-to-energy technologies.

Role of Microorganisms in Fuel Production:

1. Bioethanol Production: Microorganisms like Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferment sugar-rich crops (e.g., sugarcane, corn) into ethanol, a renewable fuel.
2. Biodiesel Production: Algae and bacteria such as Microcystis produce lipids that are converted into biodiesel, offering higher yields than traditional crops.
3. Biogas Generation: Anaerobic bacteria like Methanogens decompose organic waste, generating methane-rich biogas as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
4. Hydrogen Production: Photosynthetic microorganisms like Cyanobacteria and Green Algae generate hydrogen through water-splitting processes.
5. Second-Generation Biofuels: Enzymes from fungi and bacteria break down agricultural residues into fermentable sugars for biofuel production, avoiding competition with food crops.

Advantages:

• Renewable and eco-friendly.
• Reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
• Mitigates greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges:

1. High production costs of biofuels.
2. Limited scalability of microbial fuel technologies.
3. Land and water resource competition.

Way Forward:

1. Increase R&D funding for microbial biofuel innovations.
2. Promote public-private partnerships for scaling production.
3. Implement policies to incentivize biofuel adoption.

Microorganisms provide a promising path toward sustainable energy solutions, addressing both fuel shortages and environmental concerns.

Q7. Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. [Human Geography]

Causes of Dam Failures:

1. Structural Weakness: Poor design or construction materials lead to instability (e.g., weak foundations, inadequate spillways).
2. Hydrological Factors: Excessive rainfall or floods exceeding the dam’s capacity can cause overtopping.
3. Seismic Activity: Earthquakes can damage dam structures or induce liquefaction in foundations.
4. Poor Maintenance: Neglect in regular inspections and repairs leads to progressive deterioration.
5. Operational Errors: Mishandling of gates and spillways during heavy inflow can exacerbate pressure on the dam.
6. Ageing Infrastructure: Many dams exceed their designed lifespan, making them vulnerable to failure.

Examples of Large Dam Failures:

1. Banqiao Dam, China (1975): The dam collapsed due to Typhoon Nina, causing massive floods and over 200,000 deaths.
2. Machchu Dam, India (1979): Overtopping during heavy rains led to the dam’s failure, resulting in around 2,000 casualties in Gujarat.

Preventive Measures:

1. Conduct regular structural audits and maintenance.
2. Modernize ageing dams with advanced materials and technologies.
3. Strengthen early warning systems and evacuation protocols.

Effective management and monitoring of dam infrastructure are critical to minimizing risks and safeguarding downstream populations.

Q8. What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? [Environment]

Oil Pollution: Oil pollution refers to the release of petroleum or its by-products into marine environments, often caused by oil spills, offshore drilling, or ship discharge.

Impacts on Marine Ecosystems:

1. Marine Life:
   • Coating of oil on marine organisms, like fish and seabirds, disrupts respiration and insulation.
   • Toxic hydrocarbons accumulate in food chains, causing long-term ecological damage.
2. Coral Reefs: Oil smothers coral reefs, impairing their growth and reproduction.
3. Water Quality: Oil reduces oxygen levels in water, creating dead zones uninhabitable for aquatic life.

Specific Harm to India:

1. Coastal Economy: India’s economy, heavily reliant on fisheries and coastal tourism, suffers significant losses from oil pollution.
2. Biodiversity: Vital ecosystems like Sundarbans mangroves and coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar are at risk.
3. Shipping Lanes: India’s high maritime traffic increases the risk of oil spills along critical trade routes.

Preventive Measures:

1. Strengthen regulations for oil spill management.
2. Promote sustainable shipping practices.
3. Invest in oil spill response technologies.

Oil pollution poses severe risks to India’s economy and ecology, necessitating proactive measures for prevention and mitigation.

Q9. Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. [Polity]

Government Measures in Jammu and Kashmir:

1. Developmental Initiatives:
   • Infrastructure projects like road construction, electricity supply, and water access are prioritized to improve living standards.
   • Schemes like UMEED (livelihood initiative for women) aim to empower marginalized groups.
2. Education and Employment:
   • Special scholarships for students and vocational training programs help youth find opportunities outside militancy.
   • Recruitment drives for government jobs create local employment.
3. Dialogue and Reconciliation: Backchannel talks with stakeholders and civil society groups foster trust and reduce alienation.
4. Community Policing: Programs like Sadhbhavna involve the military in community welfare activities, strengthening relations with locals.
5. Tourism Revival: Efforts to boost tourism, a key economic sector, create job opportunities and promote cultural integration.

Impact: While militancy remains a challenge, these measures have improved grassroots connectivity and trust, gradually integrating Jammu and Kashmir into the national mainstream.

Q10. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. [Security]

Threat Posed by UAVs:

1. UAVs are used to smuggle arms, drugs, and counterfeit currency across borders, particularly in regions like Punjab and Jammu.
2. Surveillance by adversaries undermines national security and operational secrecy.

Government Measures:

1. Enhanced Border Surveillance:
   • Deployment of anti-drone systems with radar detection and neutralization capabilities.
   • Use of thermal imaging cameras and motion sensors to track UAVs.
2. Policy and Regulations:
   • Draft Drone Rules 2021 regulate drone operations, ensuring stricter monitoring of commercial drones.
   • Ban on unauthorized drones in sensitive areas.
3. Technological Interventions:
   • Development of indigenous counter-drone technology by DRDO and BEL.
   • Collaboration with Israel for advanced drone-jamming systems.
4. Capacity Building:
   • Training of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel to identify and intercept UAVs.
   • Coordination between intelligence agencies to trace networks using UAVs.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthen international cooperation for intelligence-sharing.
2. Deploy AI-based systems for real-time threat analysis.
3. Expand research and development for indigenous counter-drone solutions.

Tackling the UAV threat requires a multi-pronged strategy combining technology, regulation, and intelligence.

Q11. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. [Economics]

Nature of Unemployment in India: Structural unemployment arises when there is a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the requirements of the economy. In India, this issue stems from:

1. Limited industrialization.
2. Skill gaps in education systems.
3. Over-dependence on agriculture.

Methodology to Compute Unemployment:

1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
   • Conducted annually by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
   • Measures employment based on usual status, current weekly status, and current daily status.
2. Usual Principal Status (UPS): Considers activity status over the previous year.
3. Current Weekly Status (CWS): Records activity during a short reference period of one week.
4. Employment-Unemployment Surveys (EUS): Conducted previously by the Labour Bureau, focusing on workforce participation.
5. Census Data: Provides decadal insights into employment trends.

Challenges in Current Methodology:

1. Underestimation: Informal and gig economy workers are often unaccounted for.
2. Timeliness: Surveys like the PLFS face delays, rendering data outdated.
3. Skill Gap Analysis: Existing methods do not adequately measure skill mismatches or employment quality.

Suggestions for Improvement:

1. Real-Time Data: Use digital platforms and AI for real-time tracking of job trends.
2. Expanded Scope: Include gig, freelance, and platform-based workers in surveys.
3. Skill Mapping: Align surveys with industry requirements to identify structural skill gaps.
4. Regional Focus: Collect granular data to address regional unemployment disparities.

An improved methodology can provide actionable insights for policy-making, tackling structural unemployment effectively.

Q12. Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can the care economy be brought into the monetized economy through women empowerment? [Economics]

Care Economy vs. Monetized Economy:

1. Care Economy:
   • Comprises unpaid work, such as caregiving, household chores, and child-rearing.
   • Largely performed by women and undervalued in economic metrics like GDP.
2. Monetized Economy: Includes paid labor in formal and informal sectors, contributing directly to measurable economic output.

Challenges in Valuing the Care Economy:

1. Gender Bias: Women’s contributions to unpaid work are often taken for granted.
2. Economic Metrics: Traditional measures, like GDP, exclude unpaid labor, ignoring its societal value.

Bringing Care Economy into Monetized Economy:

1. Recognition:
   • Include unpaid work in national accounting systems.
   • Initiatives like time-use surveys help quantify unpaid labor.
2. Skill Development: Provide training to caregivers, enabling transitions to formal healthcare and education sectors.
3. Financial Incentives: Introduce tax benefits, direct cash transfers, or subsidies for caregivers.
4. Supportive Policies: Promote paid parental leave and affordable childcare services.
5. Women Empowerment: Enhance access to education, credit, and entrepreneurship opportunities to enable economic independence.

Integrating the care economy into the monetized economy not only acknowledges women’s contributions but also fosters gender equality and economic growth.

Q13. Explain the changes in cropping patterns in India in the context of changes in consumption patterns and marketing conditions. [Agriculture]

Changes in Cropping Patterns:

1. Shift from Cereals to Cash Crops: Traditional food grains like millets and pulses are being replaced by cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, and oilseeds due to higher profitability.
2. Horticulture Growth: Rising demand for fruits, vegetables, and floriculture has driven diversification toward horticulture.
3. High-Value Crops: Increased focus on high-value crops like spices, tea, and coffee to meet export demands.

Drivers of Change:

1. Consumption Patterns: Rising incomes and urbanization have shifted dietary preferences from cereals to protein-rich foods like dairy, meat, and pulses.
2. Marketing and Trade: Improved infrastructure (e.g., cold storage, transport) and market integration (e.g., eNAM) encourage commercialization.
3. Policy Incentives: Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for select crops influence farmer choices.
4. Climate Factors: Erratic monsoons and water scarcity push farmers toward less water-intensive crops.

Challenges:

1. Declining soil fertility due to monoculture.
2. Regional imbalances as high-value crops dominate irrigated areas.
3. Vulnerability to market fluctuations.

Way Forward:

1. Promote sustainable cropping patterns through precision agriculture.
2. Revive traditional crops like millets for food security and environmental benefits.
3. Strengthen marketing linkages and ensure fair pricing for diverse crops.

A balanced approach to cropping patterns can enhance sustainability, profitability, and resilience in Indian agriculture.

Q14. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to the farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. [Agriculture]

Direct Subsidies:

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP): Guaranteed prices for select crops to protect farmers from market volatility.
2. Input Subsidies: Subsidized fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides to reduce production costs.
3. Direct Income Support: PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 annually to small and marginal farmers.

Indirect Subsidies:

1. Irrigation and Power: Free or subsidized electricity and water for farming.
2. Credit Subsidies: Lower interest rates on agricultural loans.
3. Procurement Policies: Government purchases of crops ensure stable incomes.

WTO Concerns:

1. Trade Distortions: WTO argues that India’s subsidies exceed permissible limits under the Agreement on Agriculture.
2. Amber Box Issues: MSP is categorized under the “Amber Box,” which includes measures deemed trade-distorting.
3. Export Restrictions: Subsidized exports are perceived as unfair competition by developed countries.

Way Forward:

1. Shift toward “Green Box” subsidies like R&D and infrastructure, which are WTO-compliant.
2. Enhance transparency in subsidy reporting.
3. Advocate for special provisions for developing countries to protect food security.

Balancing farmer support with international commitments is crucial for sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices.

Q15. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions, and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? [Science & Tech]

Contribution to Carbon Emission Reduction:

1. Zero Tailpipe Emissions: EVs eliminate direct emissions, reducing urban air pollution.
2. Efficient Energy Use: Electric motors are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines, lowering overall emissions.
3. Integration with Renewable Energy: Charging EVs with renewable sources like solar or wind further reduces carbon footprints.

Key Benefits of EVs:

1. Environmental Benefits:
   • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions combat climate change.
   • Decreased dependency on fossil fuels minimizes ecological damage from oil extraction.
2. Economic Advantages:
   • Lower operating costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
   • Creation of new industries and jobs in battery manufacturing and EV infrastructure.
3. Technological Advancements: Promotes innovation in energy storage, grid management, and smart vehicle systems.
4. Energy Security: Reduces oil imports, enhancing national energy independence.

Challenges:

1. High initial costs of EVs and batteries.
2. Limited charging infrastructure in many regions.
3. Environmental concerns over battery disposal and rare earth mining.

Way Forward:

1. Expand charging networks and incentivize renewable energy integration.
2. Encourage R&D for affordable and sustainable battery technologies.
3. Implement policies like subsidies and tax benefits to accelerate EV adoption.

Electric vehicles represent a critical step toward a sustainable, low-carbon future, offering environmental, economic, and technological advantages.

Q16. What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the system in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. [Science & Tech]

Main Task of India’s Third Moon Mission (Chandrayaan-3):

1. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 was a successful soft landing on the lunar south pole, a feat that Chandrayaan-2 could not achieve due to a landing system failure during the final moments.
2. The mission aimed to demonstrate landing and roving capabilities while conducting in-situ experiments to study lunar soil and environment.

Countries That Have Achieved a Soft Landing:

1. Soviet Union/Russia: First soft landing (Luna 9, 1966).
2. United States: Apollo and Surveyor missions.
3. China: Chang’e missions, including the Chang’e 4 soft landing on the lunar far side.

Systems in the Spacecraft:

1. Lander Module:
   • Equipped with improved sensors, algorithms, and propulsion systems for precise landing.
   • Instruments like seismometers and thermal probes to study the lunar surface.
2. Rover: Designed for mobility and equipped with spectrometers for soil analysis.
3. Propulsion Module: Carries the lander and rover into lunar orbit with enhanced power systems.

Role of Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC):

1. Remote Operations: VLCC enabled seamless monitoring and control of launch operations from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
2. Enhanced Decision-Making: Real-time data visualization and simulation capabilities ensured proactive troubleshooting.
3. Collaboration: Facilitated coordination between mission teams across different ISRO centers.

Chandrayaan-3’s success reflects India’s advancements in space exploration, establishing it as a leading player in lunar research.

Q17. Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few of India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. [Environment]

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP):

1. Objective: Launched in 1987, the NWCP aims to conserve wetlands, which are critical for biodiversity, water storage, and climate regulation.
2. Components:
   • Identification and notification of wetlands.
   • Funding for management plans, capacity building, and public awareness.
   • Encouraging sustainable practices in wetland-dependent communities.

Ramsar Sites in India: India has 75 Ramsar Sites (as of 2024), covering 13 lakh hectares, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation. Notable sites include:

1. Sundarbans Wetlands (West Bengal): Mangrove forests crucial for biodiversity and climate mitigation.
2. Chilika Lake (Odisha): Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, supporting migratory birds and fisheries.
3. Loktak Lake (Manipur): Known for its floating phumdis and the endangered Sangai deer.
4. Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir): A vital source of livelihood and flood control.

Significance:

1. Wetlands act as carbon sinks, water purifiers, and biodiversity hotspots.
2. India’s Ramsar recognition strengthens international cooperation for wetland conservation.

Challenges:

1. Encroachment and urbanization threaten wetland health.
2. Limited implementation of management plans.

Way Forward:

1. Strengthen regulatory frameworks like the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
2. Promote community participation in sustainable wetland management.

The NWCP and Ramsar designations reflect India’s commitment to conserving its invaluable wetland ecosystems.

Q18. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one meter by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? [Environment]

Impact of Global Sea Level Rise:

1. India:
   • Coastal Erosion: Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata face submergence risks.
   • Loss of Livelihoods: Communities dependent on fisheries and agriculture will be severely affected.
   • Displacement: Rising seas could displace millions in low-lying areas like the Sundarbans and Kerala.
   • Biodiversity Loss: Mangroves and coastal ecosystems, critical for marine biodiversity, are at risk.
2. Other Indian Ocean Countries:
   • Maldives: Faces existential threats as the majority of its islands lie less than a meter above sea level.
   • Bangladesh: Low-lying deltaic regions are prone to flooding, impacting millions.
   • Sri Lanka: Coastal tourism and agriculture are vulnerable to rising seas.
   • East Africa: Countries like Tanzania and Mozambique may experience increased storm surges and habitat loss.

Secondary Impacts:

1. Saltwater intrusion into groundwater, reducing freshwater availability.
2. Increased frequency of extreme weather events.
3. Heightened geopolitical tensions due to migration and resource conflicts.

Mitigation Strategies:

1. Global Cooperation: Commit to reducing emissions as per the Paris Agreement.
2. Coastal Management: Implement mangrove restoration, seawalls, and sustainable infrastructure.
3. Adaptation Measures: Relocate vulnerable populations and promote climate-resilient livelihoods.

Addressing sea level rise requires urgent global action to mitigate climate change and enhance regional adaptation strategies.

Q19. What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. [Security]

Internal Security Challenges:

1. Terrorism:
   • Cross-border terrorism, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
   • Radicalization and sleeper cells in urban areas.
2. Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Active in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
3. Cybersecurity Threats: Rising cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and financial systems.
4. Insurgency in Northeast: Ethnic and separatist movements in Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
5. Communal Violence: Sporadic incidents threaten societal harmony.
6. Drug Trafficking: Narcotics smuggling from the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent.

Role of Intelligence and Investigative Agencies:

1. Intelligence Bureau (IB): Monitors domestic threats, including terrorism, extremism, and espionage.
2. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Focuses on external intelligence and counter-terrorism operations.
3. National Investigation Agency (NIA): Investigates and prosecutes terror-related crimes.
4. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Handles corruption and organized crime with national implications.
5. Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C): Addresses cybersecurity challenges through real-time intelligence sharing.

Way Forward:

1. Enhance inter-agency coordination and information sharing.
2. Leverage advanced technologies like AI for intelligence analysis.
3. Strengthen community policing and public awareness initiatives.

A multi-dimensional approach combining intelligence, technology, and public participation is essential to counter India’s internal security threats.

Q20. Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. [Security]

Major Sources of Terror Funding:

1. Hawala Networks: Informal money transfer systems used to fund terror operations.
2. Drug Trafficking: Nexus between narcotics smuggling and terrorism, especially in border areas.
3. Charitable Organizations: Misuse of NGOs and trusts to channel funds.
4. Counterfeit Currency: Circulation of fake currency notes to finance terror activities.
5. Gold Smuggling: Conversion of illegally imported gold into cash for terror financing.

Efforts to Curtail Terror Funding:

1. Financial Action Task Force (FATF): India actively collaborates with FATF to enforce anti-money laundering measures.
2. Amendments to UAPA: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act now empowers agencies to track and confiscate assets linked to terrorism.
3. Intelligence Sharing: Strengthened cooperation with international agencies like INTERPOL.
4. Crackdown on Hawala and NGOs: Monitoring financial transactions and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.

No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference, 2022:

1. Objective:
   • Foster global collaboration to combat terror financing and money laundering.
   • Share best practices and strengthen legal frameworks.
2. Key Outcomes:
   • Emphasis on regulating crypto-transactions to curb digital terror financing.
   • Enhancing inter-governmental coordination on intelligence sharing.

India’s proactive measures and participation in global forums underscore its commitment to eliminating terror financing at its roots.